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2020 NH Spring Team Preview - Souhegan

AMHERST, N.H. - With just three players gone from last season’s 8-9 squad, Tom Walker is looking for big things in his second season at the helm of Souhegan.

“We’ve integrated my system and we should be ready to go this year,” noted Walker, who has added a pair of transfers to the program.

Sophomore twins Colin and Keegan Burke, a pair of right-handed pitchers that play infield when not on the mound, are expected to make big contributions to a team whose biggest loss was pitcher/infielder Jacob Grassett.

“We are excited to add the Burke twins to our program,” Walker said. “They played with our fall team and were welcome additions.”

Daniel Trzepacz, a first baseman/left-handed pitcher ranked 62nd in New England’s senior class, returns to lead this year’s squad. The Delaware commit will be joined by two-year starters Sam Corbett, a senior second baseman, and Nick Wilson, a left-handed hitting junior outfielder/RHP.

“We should be more stable defensively, have better team speed, and much more bench depth than last season,” pointed out Walker, whose team lost 3-2 in the preliminary round of the state tournament to St. Thomas Aquinas in 2019. “Our pitching staff has good arms from both sides and we should have enough depth to send someone who can win to the mound every day.”

Sophomore southpaw Kyan Bagshaw is expected to form a solid one-two punch on the hill with Wilson while senior Bobby Henline and sophomore Dylan Dufour are right-handed hurlers that are being counted on. Bagshaw and Henline also play outfield and Dufour infield.

“We have five or six solid arms,” Walker said. “Defensively we’re also much better to go along with much better team speed.”

Senior Aiden Casey and junior Reese Colby are others with experience back.

Promising newcomers include junior infielder David Rieth, sophomore utility player Riley Carr and freshman catcher Dante Nieto.

“The team has set high expectations and have been engaged this off-season to be prepared,” Walker noted. “Health is our biggest concern. If we have any significant injuries that would really impact us.”

A tough schedule featuring games against Bishop Guertin (New Hampshire Division I) and St. Peter Marian Worcester adds to the challenge for the Sabers.

“We really, really want our guys to know hard work pays off,” Walker said. “We started freshmen last year and early in the year that wasn’t well received. Hierarchy was expected. There was a little push back with the new system. But we need to trust the coach’s decision.

“By the end of the season we came together. A team that wacked us 16-3, St. Thomas, we lost to in the bottom of the seventh

“Guys really bought in this off-season,” Walker added. “Volunteer workouts have been excellent and we’ve been focused. Leadership is different.”

It brings a lot of promise to Walker, who a year ago had to deal with health issues.

“Danny was sick with mono last year, coming off an outstanding sophomore season,” Walker said of the 5-11 200-pound Trzepacz. “We think he’ll come back strong this year. He’s focused.

“Our two freshman last year, Dufour and Bagshaw, grew and look to be ready as sophomores. And Wilson is very, very good. Eyes will be on him now. Corbett was relatively unknown transitioning from shortstop to second base last year. He should be a lot better”

Walker sees a strong battle in the division.

“It should be a dogfight,” Walker said. “Bow, Hollis-Brookline, St. Thomas, Coe-Brown, John Stark, Con-Val and Lebanon should all field strong teams but the remaining squads should all have a shot at upsetting the apple cart. It should be a very exciting season from start to finish. I don't think anyone will be able to afford to take many days off.”